ANTARCTIC HERO

I wish to thank you for a wonderful article about arguably the least known continent, Antarctica (AG 157).

From the fantastic images it’s easy to understand why it draws the most determined of adventurers. May I point out an error on the timeline of events in the Modern Era; the conflict between Great Britain and Argentina actually took place during 1982, not 1988 as published. I am aware of this detail because I have a special interest in what is considered the first offensive action of the [Falklands] war. When the Argentine flag was raised at South Georgia, HMS Endurance, a Class 1 icebreaker, was dispatched in response. My uncle, Colour Sgt Peter James Leach, DSM P031491S of the Royal Marines, was aboard the Endurance and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his contribution to the events at Grytviken, South Georgia. He was one of 22 marines captured by the Argentine Navy that day. His DSM was the only medal of its kind awarded during the Falklands War. This picture (left) was taken prior to the Argentine engagement from the jetty of the research station at Grytviken. The abandoned whaling station can be seen in the background. My uncle is positioned second row, fourth from the right. Your article has galvanised my determination to visit this bleak but beautiful wilderness.

RICHARD KAY, MELBOURNE, VIC

Ed: We apologise to our readers and writer Alasdair McGregor for our incorrect placement of text about the 1982 conflict.